WELLNESS POLICY

It is the policy of the board to promote a healthy school by supporting wellness, good nutrition and regular physical activity as part of the total learning environment. To accomplish these goals:

1. Child Nutrition Programs will comply with applicable federal, state and local requirements and will be accessible to all students.
2. Nutrition education will be provided and promoted.
3. Physical activity will be included outside of formal physical education.
4. School-based activities will be consistent with this policy.
5. Foods and beverages made available at the school during the school day will be consistent with the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans, meal patterns and nutrition standards of the USDA.
6. Food and beverages made available at the school will adhere to food safety and security guidelines.
7. The school environment will be safe, comfortable, and allow adequate time for eating meals.
8. Food will not be used as a reward or punishment.
9. The school will encourage all students to participate in school meal programs and protect the identity of students who eat free and reduced-price meals.

Goals for Nutrition Promotion and Education
1. Nutrition promotion and education will be integrated into the curriculum by classroom teachers where appropriate.
2. Nutrition promotion and education will be provided by the school's food service provider by sharing information via menus, web site materials, and classroom presentations.
3. Nutrition promotion and education will involve sharing information with families and the community to positively impact the school's students and the health of the community.
4. The school will provide information to families that encourages them to teach their children about health and nutrition and to provide nutritious meals for their families.
5. Students will be encouraged to start every day with a healthy breakfast.

Goals for Physical Activity
1. Physical education will be provided to all students and will teach students the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to understand the short and long-term benefits of a healthy life style.
2. Physical activity will be integrated into the curriculum by classroom teachers, where deemed appropriate.
3. Students may be provided a daily recess period. The school will consider planning recess prior to lunch as research has shown that physical activity prior to lunch can increase nutrient intake and reduce food waste.
4. The school will provide a physical and social environment that encourages safe and enjoyable activity for students.
5. They school will encourage families and community members to institute programs that support physical activity.

Goals for Other School Based Activities Designed to Promote Student Wellness
1. After-school programs, if offered and appropriate, will encourage physical activity and healthy habit formation.
2. Support for student health will be demonstrated by helping to enroll eligible students in Medicaid and other state children's health insurance programs.
3. Healthy foods will be considered when planning school-based activities such as school events, fundraisers, field trips, and classroom snacks or treats.
4. There will be ongoing professional training for food service and physical education staff.
5. The school will provide a clean and safe meal environment for students and ensure and adequate time for students to eat their meals.

Nutrition Guidelines for Foods Available at School during the School Day
1. Students will have affordable access to nutritious foods that they need to stay healthy and learn well.
2. Food for sale throughout the school day will meet all applicable federal and state requirements.
3. The school will encourage the consumption of nutrient dense foods, i.e., fruits and vegetables.
5. Sale of vended soft drinks to students will not be permitted during the school day.
6. Classroom snacks will feature healthy choices.
7. Fundraisers involving food or beverages will comply with all applicable food and beverage standards if conducted during the school day without requiring payment or donation.
8. Foods made available will comply with the state and local food safety and sanitation regulations. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HAACP) plans and guidelines will be in place for prevention of food illness.

Assurance
Guidelines for reimbursable school meals shall not be less restrictive than regulations and guidance issued under the Child Nutrition Act and the School Lunch Act as they apply to schools.

Plan for Measuring Implementation and Evaluation
1. The school principal shall ensure that this policy is implemented, complied with, and annually evaluated and reported on no less than annually to the school's board of directors as required under applicable law.
2. The school will form a wellness committee that will review and provide input on school menus and review this policy not less that annually, assisting the principal in reporting to the school's board of directors. The wellness committee members will include individuals from the following groups: parents, students, food service employees, school administrators, school board members, and members of the interested public. Teachers of physical education and school health professionals are also permitted on the wellness committee.

References:
National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C.1751 et seq)
The Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq)
Women Infants and Children Reauthorization Act of 2004- §201 of Public Law 108-205
Michigan State Board of Education Model Local Wellness Policy
Michigan State Board of Education Policy on Offering Healthy Food and Beverages